Ferrer and Kyrgios both struggled to create chances against serve in the opening set, which always looked headed for a tie-break.

It was 2014 runner-up Ferrer who faltered first in the tie-break, the 35-year-old's double fault at 2-1 down creating the opening Kyrgios needed and he converted with a forehand winner to take the set.

Ferrer got out of a 15-40 hole in the fourth game of the second set and Kyrgios did likewise in the fifth, the Australian saving three break points – including one with a brilliant and brave drop shot.

Both players otherwise held serve with relative ease, until Ferrer needed to save a match point to get to 5-5.

With his booming serve, Kyrgios was once again favoured in the tie-break, and he closed out a big win.